Multiple bake pan set construction

ABSTRACT

The multiple bake pan set or unit utilizes a rectangular frame of rigid strapping, in which the pans are arranged more or less loosely until a binding harness is applied for clamping the pan rims between rigid elements of the harness and frame. Wire reinforcing for the pan rims is eliminated, and pan replacements are effected on the job with ease and despatch, by removing the harness. Cooperative pan support areas on the frame and harness protect the pans, and especially their upper peripheral portions, from damage in use.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Charles N. Baltzer 1360 Custer St.,Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 [211 App]. No. 789,147

[22] Filed Jan. 6,1969

[45] Patented Mar. 30, 1971 [54] MULTIPLE BAKE PAN SET CONSTRUCTION 24Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 220/23.4, 220/80 [51] Int. Cl B65d 21/02 [50] FieldofSearch 220/23.2, 23.4, 80, 6 (T) (D) [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 1,470,273 10/1923 Debs 220/23.4 1,521,289 12/1924 Gattman220/23.4

1,553,617 9/1925 Katzinger 220/23.2UX 1,730,919 10/1929 Debs 220/23.22,695,207 12/1954 Windsor... 220/80X 3,406,860 10/1968 Kaufman 220/23.4

Primary Examiner-George E. Lowrance Att0rneyJ. Warren Kinney, Jr.

USB.

Patented March 30, 1971 3,572,537

\ 9/ IN VE N TOR 8 L85 CHARLES N. BALTZER .95 1

-5 56 FIG'H RIVEY MULTWLE BAKE PAN SET CONSTRUCTION This inventionrelates to a multiple bake pan set, such as may be used in thecommercial production of bread loaves and similar baked products. Thepan set comprises a plurality of pans, a supporting frame therefor, anda readily detachable harness for releasably securing the pans within theframe until pan replacement becomes necessary or desirable, when bymeans of a quick and simple procedure the pans may be released,replaced, and resecured to the-supporting frame.

An object of the invention is to provide in a multiple bake pan set, asimple, inexpensive, and commercially practical means for quick and easyreplacement or substitution of pans in the set.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiple bake pan sethaving the advantages stated, in which the commonly acceptable basicdesign is retained in order to accommodate current practices andprocedures with respect to manufacture and usage, including theincorporation of nesting lugs, bumpers, and other accessory featuressometimes considered desirable by the industry.

Another object of the invention is to minimize the cost of parts andsimplify the assembly of multiple pan sets, with resultanteconomic'savings in maintenance costs as well as in initial productionof the pan sets.

A further object of the invention is to obviate the expensive practiceof incorporating heavy wire reinforcing in the rims of bake pans used inmultiple pan sets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiple pan set whereinthe pan spacing means may be permanently mounted upon the pan set frame,to furnish sturdy and effective support for the unreinforced rims of thepans.

A further object of the invention is toprovide an assembly of pans soconstituted that damaged pans may easily and quickly be replaced at thebakery, and without sending the pan sets to a factory or repair shop.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means describedherein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folded-metal bake pan, a constituentof the multiple pan set of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple pan set of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective of a pan end, showing the metalfolds thereof treated in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal cross section of the panset, showing one pan in place upon the pan frame.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the completely assembled pan set.

FIG. 6 is a fragmental cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a fragmental cross-sectionalview taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a fragmental detail view of a portion of the surrounding frameor band of the pan set.

FIGS. 9 and lltl are fragmental perspective views of altemative forms ofpan spacers that may be employed in producing the pan set.

FIG. III is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing a modification.

Common practice has been to incorporate two or more bake pans in a unitor set, with a surrounding frame or strapping serving to connect thepans and thereby permit efficient handling in the baking process. Thepans of a set are often constructed of folded or drawn sheet metal, andsometimes of molded plastic, and are therefore subject to damage bydenting, bending, and breakage, due to mistreatment in handling.Conventional pan sets which are severely bent or misshapen musteventually be discarded, as they lose their usefulness and cannotordinarily be economically restored to useful condition. In mostinstances, however, the frame or strapping outlives the pans due to itsheavy construction, so that discarding of the frame or strappingconstitutes a considerable waste.

One of the objects of the present invention is to so construct amultiple pan set that its original frame may quickly and easily beequipped with new pans to replace damaged ones whenever necessary, thereplacement being so simplified that it may be effected with the use ofsimple tools, on the job, and without the use of skilled labor.

Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 illustrates a single bake pan 14which is formed from an initially flat blank of thin sheet metal, foldedat 16, 16 to produce the end walls of the pan. The folds at 16, 16 areformed outside of the pan to overlie the end walls 18, I8 and each foldconsists of two thicknesses of metal in addition to the end wallthickness.

The open top of each pan is defined by a plurality of outwardly thendownwardly turned rim flanges, those of the end walls being denoted 20,20, and those of the sidewalls being denoted 22, 22. The sidewall rimflanges 22, 22 may or may not be continuous along the length thereof,although as shown herein by way of example, said flanges are cut a0ay ornotched at 24, for a reason to be explained later.

It is noteworthy that the rim flanges 20, 20 22, 22 are notwire-reinforced to rigidify the open top of the pan, but instead, therim flanges are merely turned outwardly then downwardly in spacedrelationship to the side and end walls of the pan. All the rim flangesare of single-thickness metal, and will preferably reach the corners ofthe pan top. The pan sidewalls are denoted 26, 26 and each carries a rimflange 22 just as each end wall carries a rim flange 20. The side andend walls are flared outwardly in the upward direction.

Folded metal pans are common in the art, but are usually wire-reinforcedat the top flanges.

If fourpans are to constitute a set, as is usual, the four pans willpreferably be identical, and constructed according to FIG. 1. The pansof the set are to be supported within a rectangular frame 30 formedpreferably of heavy gauge steel strapping beaded along the upper andlower parallel edges thereof for strength and rigidity.

The width of frame 30, according to FIG. 2, approximates the length of apan as measured from end wall to end wall near the top thereof. Thelength of the frame exceeds substantially the combined width dimensionsof the pans accommodated by the frame, so that the pans may be supportedin spaced parallelism within the confines of the frame, to permit upwardcirculation of oven heat between adjacent pans.

For supporting the pans in spaced relationship, the frame may beprovided with any suitable type of cross brace or strut, two forms ofwhich are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 by way of example. According to FIG.9, the strut comprises a pair of spaced parallel wires 32, 32, havingtheir opposite ends at 34 welded or otherwise secured to the oppositeside rails of the frame. As FIG. 4 plainly indicates, the wires 32 areproperly located to enter and support the downturned rims 22 at thesides of the pans. In the case of the endmost pan of a set (FIG. 4), oneside rim rests upon a wire 32 while the opposite side rim rests upon theupper reinforcing bead 36 of frame 30. The side rims of the intermediatepans of a set will rest upon the wires of adjacent struts.

An alternative form of strut or crossbar structure, FIG. 10, maycomprise a pair of spaced parallel metallic straps 38, 38, having endswelded at 40 to the opposite side rails of frame 30. The upper edges ofstraps 38, 38 provide the required support for the side rims of adjacentpans, just as do the wires 32, 32 of FIG. 9. It is to be noted that thepan rims are not wrapped or closed about the supports 32, 32 or 33, 38.Preferably, though not necessarily, the support wires 32, 32 of a strutare held rigid relatively, as by means of transverse connecting wires 42welded to the support wires. The notches 24 of the pan side rimsaccommodate the transverse connecting wires 42, thereby to ensure properseating of the pans upon the supports 32. In the absence of reinforcingmembers such as 42, the pan rim notches 24 may be eliminated, ifdesired.

The pans are insertable into frame 30 from above, as suggested by FIGS.1 and 2, and when in home position the pan rims will rest upon the upperedges of the frame and upon the transverse crossbars. To temporarilyprevent downward displacement of the frame after insertion of the pans,the pan ends may be provided with resilient lugs or detents 44 thatproject from the pan ends a distance such as to frictionally engage theframe when the pans are fully inserted; or if desired, the lugs ordetents 44 may yieldingly latch beneath the lower edge or bead 46 of theframe, (FIG. 6) thereby to yieldingly resist upward displacement of thepans from the frame, or relative lowering of the frame while the panbottoms rest upon a flat surface.

The lugs or detents 44 may be simply produced by outwardly distendingthe metal of the folds l6, 16, so that insertion of the pan into theframe will be yieldingly resisted by the detents engaging the frame asthe pan is forced to home position, FIG. 4. Said yielding resistance,however, will not prevent displacement of a pan for purposes ofreplacement or substitution, when force is applied deliberately todislodge a pan or pans from the frame.

In the light of the foregoing explanation, it will be understood thatduring assembly of the unit, the pans may be inserted into a frameaccording to FIG. 2, with lugs or detents 44 serving to precludedropping of the frame in the event that the pan bottoms rest upon asupporting surface. Such functioning of the lugs or detents is to beregarded as a temporary function useful during assembly of the unit,since a much stronger and more positive means is provided for lockingthe pans to the frame incident to final assembly, as will be explained.

The means for securely locking the pans to theframe comprises a harness,which harness is applicable and removable with the use of a simple tool,or screwdriver. The harness is so constructed that it may easily andquickly be demounted from the pan set, to release the pans thereof forreplacement with new or different pans when necessary. The replacementmay easily be accomplished on the job, without the use of skilled labor,or tools other than a common screwdriver.

With reference to FIG. 2, the'numerals 50 and 52 indicate two identicalslide members, each formed of channel iron stock bent to U-shape so asto provide spaced parallel arms 54 joined by a connecting portion 56.Each channel iron has an upper leg or flange 58, a lower leg or flange60, and a connecting web 62 characterizing the parts 54, 54, 56. One arm54 of each slide member may carry a welded extended tongue 64 havingformed therein a perforation 66. The arms may be provided with otherperforations 66, to receive screws or other fasteners 68.

Slide member 50 is dimensioned for advancement slidably lengthwise ofpan frame 30, with the upper legs 58 of arms 54, 54 overlying the rimflanges of two pans. Similarly, slide member 52 is advanceable along theframe, toward member 50, with its upper channel legs 58 overlying therim flanges 20 of the remaining two pans embraced by the frame. Fulladvancement of the slide members places the tongue 64 of one within thechannel of the other slide member, with registry of holes permittinginsertion of fasteners 68 to secure the slide members to one another attheir free ends. The same fasteners enter holes 70 formed in the opposedside members of frame 30. Additional fasteners may pass through theslide member arms 54, and anchor themselves in holes 72 formed in theopposite side members of frame 30.

The lower legs 60 of the arms 54 of each slide member, are adapted toengage outward projections 74 (FIG. 6), formed on the sides of frame 30.Projections 74 engage the lower channel legs 60 to exert a downwardwedging force thereon, with the result that the upper channel legs 58bear forcefully upon the rims 20 of the pans, to securely anchor thepans onto the upper beaded edges 36 of the frame. Projections 74 may bein the form of inclined lugs or cars punched from the metal of frame 30,the inclination being upwardly and outwardly of the pan set. The numberof projections 74 employed is not critical, but one may be provided neareach end of each pan.

Projections 76 similar to the projections 74, may be provided on theopposite end members of frame 30, (FIG. 4), for the purpose ofdepressing downwardly the channel leg 60 and causing the upper leg 58 topress the pan rim 22 firmly onto the upper bead 36 of the frame. One ormore projections 76 may be employed, as desired.

The projections 74 and 76 cooperate to pull down all the rims of theseveral pans comprising the set, including those pan rims which overliethe cross bars 32, 32 or 38, 38. As will be understood, the rims of thepans will be tightly secured so long as the U-shaped slide members 50and 52 embrace the pan frame 30. By outwardly withdrawing the slidemembers 50 and 52 as suggested by FIG. 2, all the pans are released attheir rims, and one or more may easily be dislodged from the frame forreplacement with new or different pans. The only tool required is ascrewdriver for manipulating the screws or fasteners 68.

Earlier herein, it was mentioned that bake pans are sometimes fabricatedof molded plastic. Molded plastic pans may be formed as individuals, oras a multiple pan set in which two or more are molded as an integralunit. Such pans also may be fabricated of drawn metal, either asindividuals or in a set of two or more. Drawn metal pans are usuallyformed as individuals.

In the case of individual pans, whether drawn or molded, each pan 80(FIG. 11) will usually include a peripheral outwardly directed rim 82from which depends a rim flange 84 spaced from a pan wall 87. The rim 82may be continuous in defining the open top of the pan, and thedownturned flange 84 will of course be integral with the rim. Such pansare sometimes referred to as seamless pans.

Pans such as 80 may be assembled into a multiple pan unit as follows. At86 is shown a length of steel strapping which is bent to form arectangular frame quite similar to the frame 30 of FIG. 2, having siderails and end rails forming rectangular corners, and adapted to encirclea group of pans, one of which is denoted 80, in FIG. 11. The side andend rails of rectangular frame 86 have formed thereon inwardly turnedhorizontal flanges such as 88, to underlie and support the pan rimportions 82. Adjacent to the flange 88, each side and end rail of frame86 is provided with an upright seating area 90 offset inwardly at 91 byan amount approximating the thickness of pan flange 84, and against thisseating area 90 the pan flange 84 rests in flatwise abutment.

The pan rim portion 82 and its flange 84 are adapted to be securelyclamped against frame areas 88 and 90, by a harness similar to that at50, 52 of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 shows only one of the harness parts, or slidemembers, denoted 92; however, it must be understood that two such partsor members are employed, as in FIG. 2. Each slide member such as 92 isformed of tough steel strap material bent to U-shape as in FIG. 2. Thecross section of member 92 may be of channel shape, or substantially soaccording to FIG. 11 wherein the upper edge portion is turned inwardlyto provide a flange 93, and the lower edge portion is turned to providea roll 94 which, in effect, is a lower flange adapted to engage anabutment or edge 95 of frame 86.

In assembling a pan set according to FIG. 11, the pans are first placedwithin the rectangular frame 86 according to FIG. 2. Thus, as to FIG.11, the pan parts 82 and 84 will be abutting the frame parts 88 and 90.Then, the U-shaped harness members or slide members 92 will, in themanner of FIG. 2, be slid into place with the lower flange 94 forcefullycontacting the edge or abutment 95, while the upper portion includingflange 93 forcefully embraces and clamps the pan rim 82 and flange 84against frame areas 88 and 90. The slide members of the harness may befixed against separation one from the other, in any suitable manner. Byway of example, screws, rivets or other fasteners 96 may be employed forthe purpose. The fasteners 96 may or may not anchor in the material ofthe inner frame 86, and any desired number of such fasteners may beprovided as required.

It will be understood from the foregoing, that the fasteners 96, or someof them, may be readily removable to permit disassembly of the pan unitfor the benefit of pan replacement, if desired.

In the FIG. ll construction, as well as in those of FIGS. 1 through w,the steel banding used in the encircling frame and harness of the unit,is seen to be spaced from the adjacent wall of the pan. This provides anair space which precludes heat conduction from the banding to the panwall while in the bal ing oven, thereby preventing the formation of hotspots in the pan walls which might undesirably overbake and mark someportions of the baked product.

The banding and harness members are formed of tough steel, and are sorelated to the pan rims and flanges as to protect said rims and flangesfrom damage in use and handling of the pan units. The pan units oftenare subjected to impacts of considerable force, for example wheninverted and bounced against a hard surface in dislodging the contentsof the pans. Also, stacking of the units often subjects them toconsiderable abuse, the force of which will be assumed by the steelstrapping in protecting the pan rims and flanges.

It is noted that pan units constructed in accordance with the presentinvention require no welding of parts in the manufacture, and theconstruction desirably eliminates the need for reinforcing wires in thepan rims. The invention is applicable to all forms of pans, whetherdrawn, molded, or of folded sheet materials, either plastic or metallic.Furthermore, it is immaterial to the present invention whether the pansemployed in forming a set or unit are individual pans, or pans inmultiple formed from a single sheet of metal, or produced in a moldpresenting two or more pans integrally formed. In any case, the pans orpan group of a unit should include rim portions and flanges such as 82and 84 of FIG. 11, or as depicted by FIG. 3 at 22 and 20, these parts tobe supported and protected by the strapping frame and harness members.

It is pointed out further, that adjacent pans of a unit need notnecessarily be separated by an air space as shown in the drawing FIGS.nor is it necessary always to provide supports between adjacent pans assuggested by FIGS. 9, l0, and 4. In the absence of such supportingspacers, the rims or flanges of adjacent pans in a unit may be joinedtogether by mechanical means, or welds if desired. In the case ofmultiple pans molded or drawn as a one-piece construction, the spacebetween adjacent pans may be spanned by webs of material integral withthe pan sides, and such webs may be either perforate or imperforate.

Great economies may be effected with the use of multiple pan sets asherein disclosed, since damaged pans may easily be replaced with newones. The replacement pans are much less expensive than pans withwire-reinforced rims, and they may be less expensively shipped andstored due to their superior nesting advantages. Also, it is noteworthythat pan sets or units as herein disclosed require no changes incustomary handling or use procedures, and accordingly, the equipmentcurrently in use for baking in multiple pan sets operates as effectivelywith the improved pan units as it does with the older type units.

The improved pan sets or units of this invention lend themselves readilyto the incorporation of various refinements, such as the addition ofbumpers, nesting lugs, and other accessory features sometimes considereddesirable by users. Other advantages of the invention have beenmentioned earlier herein.

Iclaim:

1. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each having a bottom, opposed sidewalls,opposed end walls, and an open top; a rim flange on each sidewall and oneach end wall defining the open top of the pan, said rim flangesextending outwardly from said side and end walls; a rectangular rigidframe surrounding the pans and readily removable therefrom, said framehaving spaced parallel side members and spaced parallel end members,each of said side members having an upper edge underlying the rimflanges of the pan end walls; means on said frame supporting the rimflanges of the pan sidewalls; and a harness removably mountable uponsaid frame, said harness extending substantially the length of saidframe and including clamping means extending substantially the length ofthe harness for clamping the rim flanges of the pan end walls into firmengagement with the underlying upper edges of the frame side members.

2. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein the combinationincludes means for temporarily and displaceably maintaining aframe-supportive connection between the pans and the frame, followingremoval of the harness from said frame.

3. The combination as specified by claim 2, wherein the aforesaid meanson said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls, performsto space from one another the rim flanges of the sidewalls of adjacentpans in the set.

a. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein the side members ofthe rigid frame and the end walls of all the pans, include cooperativeyielding means to maintain an elevated condition of the frame relativeto the pan bottoms as said pan bottoms rest upon a supporting surface inthe absence of said harness.

5. The combination as specified by claim 4, wherein the end walls of thepans are formed of folded sheet metal, and said cooperative yieldingmeans includes an outwardly projected detent formed on a fold of eachpan end wall.

6. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each having a bottom, opposedsidewallsfoppoed end walls, and an open top; a rim flange on eachsidewall and on each end wall defining the open top of the pan, said rimflanges extending outwardly from said side and end walls; a rectangularrigid frame surrounding the pans. and having spaced parallel sidemembers and spaced parallel end members, each of said side membershaving an upper edge underlying the rim flanges of the pan end walls;means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls; aharness mountable upon said frame, said harness including means forclamping the rim flanges of the pan end walls into firm engagement withthe underlying upper edges of the frame side members; the side membersof the rigid frame and the end walls of all the pans, includingcooperative yielding means to maintain an elevated condition of theframe relative to the pan bottoms as said pan bottoms rest upon asupporting surface in the absence of said harness; said end walls of thepans being formed of folded sheet metal, and said cooperative yieldingmeans including an outwardly projected detent formed on a fold of eachpan end wall; said harness including a pair of U-shaped slide membershaving each a pair of spaced parallel arms to embrace the side membersof the frame; and said clamping means including an upper longitudinalflange on each of said arms to overlie the rim flanges of the pan endwalls, and cooperative means on said arms and said frame side members,to depress the flanges of said slide member arms forcefully upon the rimflanges of the pan end walls.

7. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each having a bottom, opposed sidewalls,opposed end walls, and an open top; a rim flange on each sidewall and oneach end wall defining the open top of the pan, said rim flangesextending outwardly from said side and end walls; a rectangular rigidframe surrounding the pans and having spaced parallel side members andspaced parallel end members, each of said side members having an upperedge underlying the rim flanges of the pan end walls; means on saidframe supporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls; a harnessmountable upon said frame, said harness including means for clamping therim flanges of the pan end walls into firm engagement with theunderlying upper edges of the frame side members; said harnesscomprising a pair of displaceable U-shaped slide members having each apair of spaced parallel arms to embrace the side members of the frame;and said clamping means including an upper longitudinal flange on eachof said arms to overlie the rim flanges of the pan end walls,

The combination as specified by claim 7 wherein said clamping means iscarried by the frame side members and the arms of said U-shaped slidemembers.

9. The combination as specified by claim 8, wherein is included meansfor releasably securing the slide members to one another.

10. The combination as specified by claim 8, wherein is included meansfor releasably securing the slide members to the rigid frame.

11. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein is included meansfor releasably securing the harness against displacement from the rigidframe.

12. The combination as specified by claim 3, wherein the end walls ofthe pans are formed of folded sheet metal, the folds of which incooperation with the rigid frame, carry the aforesaid means fortemporarily and displaceably maintaining a frame-supportive connectionbetween the pans and said frame.

13. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each formed from a thin sheet metalblank bent and folded to provide a bottom, an open top, opposedsidewalls, and end walls which include folds of excess metal in theblank; a rim flange on each sidewall and on each end wall defining theopen top of the pan, said rim flanges extending outwardly from said sideand end walls; a rectangular rigid frame surrounding said pans andreadily removable therefrom, said frame having spaced parallel sidemembers and spaced parallel end members, each of said side membershaving a lower edge, and an upper edge underlying the rim flanges of thepan end walls; means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pansidewalls; cooperative means on the side members of the frame and on thefolds of the pan end walls, for releasably latching each pan in aposition upon the frame at which the upper edges of the frame sidemembers rest in close proximity to the outwardly extended rim flanges ofthe pan end walls; and a displaceable harness extending substantiallythe length of said frame and including clamping means extendingsubstantially the length of the harness for clamping said rim flanges ofthe pan end walls into firm contact upon the upper edges of the frameside members.

14. The combination as specified by claim 13, wherein is included adisplaceable harness including means for clamping said rim flanges ofthe pan end walls into firm contact upon the upper edges of the frameside members.

15. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each formed from a thin sheet metalblank bent and folded to provide a bottom, an open top, opposedsidewalls, and end walls which include fold of excess metal in theblank; a rim flange on each sidewall and on each end wall defining theopen top of the pan, said rim flanges extending outwardly from said sideand end walls; a rectangular rigid frame surrounding said pans andhaving spaced parallel side members and spaced parallel end members,each of said side members having a lower edge, and an upper edgeunderlying the rim flanges of the pan end walls:

means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls;cooperative means on the side members of the frame and on the folds ofthe panend walls, for releasably latching each pan in a position uponthe frame at which the upper edges of the frame side members rest inclose proximity to the outwardly extended rim flanges of the pan endwalls; a displaceable harness including means for clamping said rimflanges of the pan end walls into finn contact upon the upper edges ofthe frame side members; said harness comprising a pair of U-shaped slidemembers each adapted to embrace the side members of the frame; and meansfor detachably securing said slide members in said embracing position.

16. The combination as specified by claim 15, wherein the aforesaidmeans on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls,includes means to space from one another the rim flanges of thesidewalls of adjacent pans in the set.

17. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein the pans are ofseamless construction, formed or molded.

18. The combination as specified by claim 7, wherein the pans are ofseamless construction, formed or molded.

19. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein said plurality ofbake ans is of oneiece construction.

20. In a multrp ebakerpan se the combination which comprises: aplurality of bake pans each having a bottom, opposed sidewalls, opposedend walls, and an open top; a rim portion on each sidewall and on eachend wall defining said open top, said rim portion extending outwardlyfrom said sidewall and end walls; a rigid frame supporting the pans andreadily removable therefrom, said frame having spaced parallel sidemembers and spaced parallel end members, each of said side and endmembers having an upper flange underlying certain rim portion of some ofthe pans; and a harness extending substantially the length of the frameand mountable upon said frame, said harness including means extendingsubstantially the length of said harness for clamping said certain panrim portions into firm engagement with the underlying upper flanges ofsaid frame member.

21. The combination as specified by claim 20, wherein said clampingmeans of the harness comprises a flange overlying said certain pan rimflanges in protective relationship thereto, for shielding said rimportions of the pans from damaging impacts directed thereto.

22. The combination as specified by claim 21, wherein said frame andharness are secured to, carried by and completely circumscribe the outerperiphery of the multiple bake pan set.

23. The combination as specified by claim 21, wherein the rim portionsof the pans carry depending flanges spaced from the pan walls, and theclamping means of the harness clamps said depending flanges against therigid frame aforesaid.

24. The combination as specified by claim 23, wherein the clamping meansof the harness covers and shields said depending flanges of the pansfrom damage by impacts directed thereto.

1. In a multiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: aplurality of elongate bake pans each having a bottom, opposed sidewalls,opposed end walls, and an open top; a rim flange on each sidewall and oneach end wall defining the open top of the pan, said rim flangesextending outwardly from said side and end walls; a rectangular rigidframe surrounding the pans and readily removable therefrom, said framehaving spaced parallel side members and spaced parallel end members,each of said side members having an upper edge underlying the rimflanges of the pan end walls; means on said frame supporting the rimflanges of the pan sidewalls; and a harness removably mountable uponsaid frame, said harness extending substantially the length of saidframe and including clamping means extending substantially the length ofthe harness for clamping the rim flanges of the pan end walls into firmengagement with the underlying upper edges of the frame side members. 2.The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein the combinationincludes means for temporarily and displaceably maintaining aframe-supportive connection between the pans and the frame, followingremoval of the harness from said frame.
 3. The combination as specifiedby claim 2, wherein the aforesaid means on said frame supporting the rimflanges of the pan sidewalls, performs to space from one another the rimflanges of the sidewalls of adjacent pans in the set.
 4. The combinationas specified by claim 1, wherein the side members of the rigid frame andthe end walls of all the pans, include cooperative yielding means tomaintain an elevated condition of the frame relative to the pan bottomsas said pan bottoms rest upon a supporting surface in the absence ofsaid harness.
 5. The combination as specified by claim 4, wherein theend walls of the pans are formed of folded sheet metal, and saidcooperative yielding means includes an outwardly projected detent formedon a fold of each pan end wall.
 6. In a multiple bake pan set, thecombination which comprises: a plurality of elongate bake pans eachhaving a bottom, opposed sidewalls, opposed end walls, and an open top;a rim flange on each sidewall and on each end wall defining the open topof the pan, said rim flanges extending outwardly from said side and endwalls; a rectangular rigid frame surrounding the pans and having spacedparallel side members and spaced parallel end members, each of said sidemembers having an upper edge underlying the rim flanges of the pan endwalls; means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pansidewalls; a harness mountable upon said frame, said harness includingmeans for clamping the rim flanges of the pan end walls into firmengagement with the underlying upper edges of the frame side members;the side members of the rigid frame and the end walls of all the pans,including cooperative yielding means to maintain an elEvated conditionof the frame relative to the pan bottoms as said pan bottoms rest upon asupporting surface in the absence of said harness; said end walls of thepans being formed of folded sheet metal, and said cooperative yieldingmeans including an outwardly projected detent formed on a fold of eachpan end wall; said harness including a pair of U-shaped slide membershaving each a pair of spaced parallel arms to embrace the side membersof the frame; and said clamping means including an upper longitudinalflange on each of said arms to overlie the rim flanges of the pan endwalls, and cooperative means on said arms and said frame side members,to depress the flanges of said slide member arms forcefully upon the rimflanges of the pan end walls.
 7. In a multiple bake pan set, thecombination which comprises: a plurality of elongate bake pans eachhaving a bottom, opposed sidewalls, opposed end walls, and an open top;a rim flange on each sidewall and on each end wall defining the open topof the pan, said rim flanges extending outwardly from said side and endwalls; a rectangular rigid frame surrounding the pans and having spacedparallel side members and spaced parallel end members, each of said sidemembers having an upper edge underlying the rim flanges of the pan endwalls; means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pansidewalls; a harness mountable upon said frame, said harness includingmeans for clamping the rim flanges of the pan end walls into firmengagement with the underlying upper edges of the frame side members;said harness comprising a pair of displaceable U-shaped slide membershaving each a pair of spaced parallel arms to embrace the side membersof the frame; and said clamping means including an upper longitudinalflange on each of said arms to overlie the rim flanges of the pan endwalls,
 8. The combination as specified by claim 7 wherein said clampingmeans is carried by the frame side members and the arms of said U-shapedslide members.
 9. The combination as specified by claim 8, wherein isincluded means for releasably securing the slide members to one another.10. The combination as specified by claim 8, wherein is included meansfor releasably securing the slide members to the rigid frame.
 11. Thecombination as specified by claim 1, wherein is included means forreleasably securing the harness against displacement from the rigidframe.
 12. The combination as specified by claim 3, wherein the endwalls of the pans are formed of folded sheet metal, the folds of whichin cooperation with the rigid frame, carry the aforesaid means fortemporarily and displaceably maintaining a frame-supportive connectionbetween the pans and said frame.
 13. In a multiple bake pan set, thecombination which comprises: a plurality of elongate bake pans eachformed from a thin sheet metal blank bent and folded to provide abottom, an open top, opposed sidewalls, and end walls which includefolds of excess metal in the blank; a rim flange on each sidewall and oneach end wall defining the open top of the pan, said rim flangesextending outwardly from said side and end walls; a rectangular rigidframe surrounding said pans and readily removable therefrom, said framehaving spaced parallel side members and spaced parallel end members,each of said side members having a lower edge, and an upper edgeunderlying the rim flanges of the pan end walls; means on said framesupporting the rim flanges of the pan sidewalls; cooperative means onthe side members of the frame and on the folds of the pan end walls, forreleasably latching each pan in a position upon the frame at which theupper edges of the frame side members rest in close proximity to theoutwardly extended rim flanges of the pan end walls; and a displaceableharness extending substantially the length of said frame and includingclamping means extending substantially the length of the harness forclamping said rim flanges of the pan end walls into firm contact uponthe upPer edges of the frame side members.
 14. The combination asspecified by claim 13, wherein is included a displaceable harnessincluding means for clamping said rim flanges of the pan end walls intofirm contact upon the upper edges of the frame side members.
 15. In amultiple bake pan set, the combination which comprises: a plurality ofelongate bake pans each formed from a thin sheet metal blank bent andfolded to provide a bottom, an open top, opposed sidewalls, and endwalls which include fold of excess metal in the blank; a rim flange oneach sidewall and on each end wall defining the open top of the pan,said rim flanges extending outwardly from said side and end walls; arectangular rigid frame surrounding said pans and having spaced parallelside members and spaced parallel end members, each of said side membershaving a lower edge, and an upper edge underlying the rim flanges of thepan end walls: means on said frame supporting the rim flanges of the pansidewalls; cooperative means on the side members of the frame and on thefolds of the pan end walls, for releasably latching each pan in aposition upon the frame at which the upper edges of the frame sidemembers rest in close proximity to the outwardly extended rim flanges ofthe pan end walls; a displaceable harness including means for clampingsaid rim flanges of the pan end walls into firm contact upon the upperedges of the frame side members; said harness comprising a pair ofU-shaped slide members each adapted to embrace the side members of theframe; and means for detachably securing said slide members in saidembracing position.
 16. The combination as specified by claim 15,wherein the aforesaid means on said frame supporting the rim flanges ofthe pan sidewalls, includes means to space from one another the rimflanges of the sidewalls of adjacent pans in the set.
 17. Thecombination as specified by claim 1, wherein the pans are of seamlessconstruction, formed or molded.
 18. The combination as specified byclaim 7, wherein the pans are of seamless construction, formed ormolded.
 19. The combination as specified by claim 1, wherein saidplurality of bake pans is of one-piece construction.
 20. In a multiplebake pan set, the combination which comprises: a plurality of bake panseach having a bottom, opposed sidewalls, opposed end walls, and an opentop; a rim portion on each sidewall and on each end wall defining saidopen top, said rim portion extending outwardly from said sidewall andend walls; a rigid frame supporting the pans and readily removabletherefrom, said frame having spaced parallel side members and spacedparallel end members, each of said side and end members having an upperflange underlying certain rim portion of some of the pans; and a harnessextending substantially the length of the frame and mountable upon saidframe, said harness including means extending substantially the lengthof said harness for clamping said certain pan rim portions into firmengagement with the underlying upper flanges of said frame member. 21.The combination as specified by claim 20, wherein said clamping means ofthe harness comprises a flange overlying said certain pan rim flanges inprotective relationship thereto, for shielding said rim portions of thepans from damaging impacts directed thereto.
 22. The combination asspecified by claim 21, wherein said frame and harness are secured to,carried by and completely circumscribe the outer periphery of themultiple bake pan set.
 23. The combination as specified by claim 21,wherein the rim portions of the pans carry depending flanges spaced fromthe pan walls, and the clamping means of the harness clamps saiddepending flanges against the rigid frame aforesaid.
 24. The combinationas specified by claim 23, wherein the clamping means of the harnesscovers and shields said depending flanges of the pans from damage byimpacts directed thereto.